Ali Raymi-Samson Dutchboygym clash falls through

By Robert Coster

The highly anticipated clash between record-setting WBO #7/WBC #9 rated minimumweight Ali Raymi (20-0, 20 KOs, all in the first round) and Samson Dutchboygym (43-0, 36 KOs) in Sanaa, Yemen, did not take place.

“Unfortunately, I was disappointed because Samson Dutch Boy was a no show,” Raymi informed Fightnews.com. “The promoter who said he is bringing him couldn’t get the security approval, mainly because of a suicide attack that hit the Defense Ministry this month that killed 52 people, including Asians and Europeans working there. The security forces fear attacks on foreigners.

“This pretty much ends my career in Yemen. I refused to fight another last minute Kenyan opponent because he had a record similar to Zhong’s title defense which is below my standards.”

As for what’s next, Raymi said he is going back to training. “Zhong made it clear he has no interest in facing me, so I am having tunnel vision of Rigondeaux’s belts wrapped on my waist.”